I have persistent upper lip swelling 8 weeks after bullhorn lip lift. Thoughts?

Question

I am 8wks after bullhorn lip lift. Deep PDS sutures used to tack down to periosteum. Still have significant upper lip swelling that hasn't improved even after injection of 5FU a week ago. My surgeon's website says swelling should be COMPLETELY gone by 6 weeks and he previously told me the lip would drop 2-3 mm by 4-6 wks. He now tells me there is nothing wrong & I am being impatient. Something seems very wrong given the utter lack of even the slightest improvement.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Postoperatively, after a lip lift, you can anticipate bruising and swelling that will be noticeable to you and others for about 1 week. After the sutures are removed or dissolve, depending on the type used, there will be redness along the incision line for 4-6 weeks but this can be covered with makeup after about 10 days. Sometimes the upper lip lift is overcorrected with the initial procedure and will slowly assume its final position over weeks to months. 
I do not agree with one of the doctors posting here that the incision should be hidden inside the nose. What that does is obliterate the nasal sill. So you're ok in that department. At this point, there is still some swelling but it is also the rolled out upper lip which is contributing to the overall appearance. Give it another few weeks or consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can persist for month post surgery, be sure to give yourself time and to be proactive when it comes to aftercare. Adding in hyperbaric oxygen chamber and red light therapy may help you heal faster. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The degree of swelling and length of time that the swelling lasts varies from patient to patient. In addition, the technique used to perform the procedure and whether extensive undermining was performed along with deep sutures all contribute to the recovery. I have seen patients with swelling similar to yours for up to 12 weeks when these deep suture techniques are used (not my preferred technique). Your incision looks like it is healing a bit uneven along the left ala but this can be improved with CO2 laser resurfacing. I don't see any benefit to steroids at this time.  I think that you will have a good result.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,In my experience, it takes a full 12 weeks for swelling to resolve. I do give a Medrol dose pack immediately after surgery to reduce swelling but I am not sure that 5FU will help with swelling. Best,

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I have persistent upper lip swelling 8 weeks after bullhorn lip lift. Thoughts?

Answers (4)

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